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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,243 records · Page 69
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Characteristics of kinetic sprayed Ta in terms of the deposition behavior, microstructural evolution and mechanical properties: Effect of strain-rate-dependent response of Ta at high temperature

Highlights: • The effect of high-temperature rate-dependent response of BCC Ta on the deposition state of kinetic sprayed Ta particles with synergistic effect of powder oxidation • Abnormal increase of dislocation density above certain powder preheating temperature under the lower condition (N{sub 2} carrier gas), whereas considerable occurrence of grain refinement under the higher condition (He carrier gas). • Most significant dislocation density with the smallest volume-averaged domain size under the condition of 600 {sup o}C powder pre-heating with N{sub 2} carrier gas due to characteristic response of Ta. - Abstract: Numerous efforts have been focused on the fundamental research regarding kinetic spraying processes, but previous studies were biased to only few kinds of metallic materials. In particular, for Ta with body-centered cubic crystal structure, systematic studies are currently lacking in the literature. In this study, the characteristic deposition behaviors, microstructures, and mechanical properties of kinetic sprayed Ta under various impact conditions were systematically investigated. Generally, unusual features were usually related to strain-rate-dependent response (i.e. Peierls-Nabarro short range barriers) of Ta at high-temperature. This made thermal softening effect to be saturated above a certain degree of temperature, contributing to inferior deposition efficiency for the pre-heating at 600 °C than those of 400 and 500 °C by creating synergy with powder oxidation. In terms of microstructural evolutions, the dislocation density was abnormally increased at a certain powder preheating temperature (i.e., 600 °C), owing to the strain-rate-dependent response of Ta at high-temperature. On the other hand, grain refinement generated by rotational dynamic recrystallization was mainly observed under the higher kinetic energy condition (He carrier gas) at RT. Especially, the dislocation density and volume-average domain size evaluated via high-resolution X-ray diffraction peak profile analysis were corresponding to the results of the microstructural observations. Additionally, the nanomechanical properties (i.e., nanohardness and elastic modulus) evaluated via nanoindentation tests were in good agreement with the results from transmission electron microscopy investigations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Modeling of electrodes and implantable pulse generator cases for the analysis of implant tip heating under MR imaging

Purpose: The authors’ purpose is to model the case of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) and the electrode of an active implantable medical device using lumped circuit elements in order to analyze their effect on radio frequency induced tissue heating problem during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Methods: In this study, IPG case and electrode are modeled with a voltage source and impedance. Values of these parameters are found using the modified transmission line method (MoTLiM) and the method of moments (MoM) simulations. Once the parameter values of an electrode/IPG case model are determined, they can be connected to any lead, and tip heating can be analyzed. To validate these models, both MoM simulations and MR experiments were used. The induced currents on the leads with the IPG case or electrode connections were solved using the proposed models and the MoTLiM. These results were compared with the MoM simulations. In addition, an electrode was connected to a lead via an inductor. The dissipated power on the electrode was calculated using the MoTLiM by changing the inductance and the results were compared with the specific absorption rate results that were obtained using MoM. Then, MRI experiments were conducted to test the IPG case and the electrode models. To test the IPG case, a bare lead was connected to the case and placed inside a uniform phantom. During a MRI scan, the temperature rise at the lead was measured by changing the lead length. The power at the lead tip for the same scenario was also calculated using the IPG case model and MoTLiM. Then, an electrode was connected to a lead via an inductor and placed inside a uniform phantom. During a MRI scan, the temperature rise at the electrode was measured by changing the inductance and compared with the dissipated power on the electrode resistance. Results: The induced currents on leads with the IPG case or electrode connection were solved for using the combination of the MoTLiM and the proposed lumped circuit models. These results were compared with those from the MoM simulations. The mean square error was less than 9%. During the MRI experiments, when the IPG case was introduced, the resonance lengths were calculated to have an error less than 13%. Also the change in tip temperature rise at resonance lengths was predicted with less than 4% error. For the electrode experiments, the value of the matching impedance was predicted with an error less than 1%. Conclusions: Electrical models for the IPG case and electrode are suggested, and the method is proposed to determine the parameter values. The concept of matching of the electrode to the lead is clarified using the defined electrode impedance and the lead Thevenin impedance. The effect of the IPG case and electrode on tip heating can be predicted using the proposed theory. With these models, understanding the tissue heating due to the implants becomes easier. Also, these models are beneficial for implant safety testers and designers. Using these models, worst case conditions can be determined and the corresponding implant test experiments can be planned.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigation of Best-Practices and Computationally Inexpensive Radiative Exchange Models for Discrete Element Method Modeling of Aluminosilicate Particles in Concentrating Solar Power Environments

Chemically inert, aluminosilicate based particles have been investigated as both a thermal transport and sensible energy storage medium for concentrating solar power facilities. These particles will experience a wide range of operating temperatures (300-1000 K) and handling conditions (dense to dilute falling particle curtains, dense granular flows, or dense structures), requiring specially-designed and optimized infrastructures. The relative influence of collisional and frictional interactions between particles varies based on temperature-dependent particulate properties and greatly impacts the bulk, granular flow behavior. These underlying physics are captured using discrete element method modeling tools. However, this modeling method is computationally expensive as each particle position and interaction is tracked during the simulation. These modeling methods are further complicated by introducing temperature-dependent particle properties, high-temperature radiative exchange, and directional irradiation sources experienced by granular flows in concentrating solar power environments. In this study, coupled experimental and numerical slump testing of aluminosilicate particles was performed and computationally efficient radiative exchange models were evaluated to establish best-practices for discrete element method models for concentrating solar power environments. The three particle types investigated included Carbobead HSP 30 /60, Carbobead CP 30/60, and Granusil 4030. Existing modeling limitations and computationally-efficient multi-modal heat transfer models were evaluated using Aspherix®, a commercial discrete element method software. High-temperature (< 1073 K) slump testing of aluminosilicate particles was performed to investigate the deviation between experimentally-observed and numerically-predicted angles of repose introduced by computation-time reduction practices including the relaxation of the particle elastic modulus and coarse-graining. Coarse-graining is used to use a single modeled particle that is representative of a collection of smaller particles, decreasing the computational cost at the expense of geometric accuracy. Additionally, relaxation of the elastic modulus is used to reduce computational time at the expense of an increased, modeled particle overlap. Prior studies have determined that aluminosilicate particles retain a high elastic modulus at high temperatures (< 1073 K), requiring small simulation timesteps to ensure resolved contact forces resemble appropriate solid mechanics. A parametric study was performed to evaluate the influence of computation time improvements on the deviation between experimental and modeled angle of repose across high temperatures < 1073 K. Additionally, numerical case studies were performed on candidate particle systems at varying porosities and temperatures. These studies were performed to investigate the influence of computationally-efficient radiative-exchange modeling methods coupled to Aspherix® on modeled accuracy and computation time. The recently-developed distance-based approximation was evaluated in estimating radiative exchange between particles and participating surfaces located in close proximity. The distance based approximation was developed to use tabulated estimates of the radiative distribution factor between individual particles and surfaces in close proximity (< 40 particle radii). These methods were expanded to the aluminosilicate particles of interest, including the influence of particle size distributions. To capture radiative exchange between particles and surfaces not in close proximity (> 40 particle radii) and to capture the absorption of directional irradiation from concentrating solar resources, a volumetrically-averaged radiative distribution factor was calculated between the modeled granular flow and surfaces using Monte Carlo ray-tracing for participating media. Volume-averaged absorption and scattering coefficients were predicted using a volumetric discretization of the modeled domain with monodisperse approximations based on geometric optics and experimentally-determined scattering phase functions for aluminosilicate particles.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1984

A review of NASA combustor and turbine heat transfer research

The thermal design of the combustor and turbine of a gas turbine engine poses a number of difficult heat transfer problems. The importance of improved prediction techniques becomes more critical in anticipation of future generations of gas turbine engines which will operate at higher cycle pressure and temperatures. Research which addresses many of the complex heat transfer processes holds promise for yielding significant improvements in prediction of metal temperatures. Such research involves several kinds of program including: (1) basic experiments which delineate the fundamental flow and heat transfer phenomena that occur in the hot sections of the gas turbine but at low enthalpy conditions; (2) analytical modeling of these flow and heat transfer phenomena which results from the physical insights gained in experimental research; and (3) verification of advanced prediction techniques in facilities which operate near the real engine thermodynamic conditions. In this paper, key elements of the NASA program which involves turbine and combustor heat transfer research will be described and discussed.

Rudey, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Uncertainty Analysis of Coaxial Thermocouple Calorimeters Used in Arc Jets

Recent introduction of Coaxial Thermocouple type calorimeters into the NASA Ames arc jet facilities has inspired an analysis of 2D conduction effects internal to this type of calorimeter. Lateral conduction effects violate the 1D finite slab inverse analysis which is typically used to deduce the heat transfer to such calorimeters. The spherical shaped nose associated with most calorimeters (rather than flat) leads to a bias error that over-estimates the stagnation heating. Non-uniform heating on the face of spherically shaped calorimeters leads to conduction losses to the colder rim of the calorimeter which causes an underestimate of the stagnation heating. These two effects come into play at different times of the calorimeter's exposure to the arc jet, so they do not cancel. The spherical body effects come into play in the early stages of exposure, while the non-uniform heating effect becomes most severe at the later stages of exposure. The bias associated with spherical effects can be avoided by rewriting the 1D finite slab inverse analysis code to solve for 1D conduction in spherical coordinates. However, reducing the bias error associated non-uniform heating requires a somewhat ad hoc modification to the 1D finite element inverse analysis.

Isotherms↗
DOE OSTI2017

An Infrared Study of the Dust Properties and Geometry of the Arched Filaments H ii Region with SOFIA/FORCAST

Massive stellar clusters provide radiation (∼10{sup 7}--10{sup 8} L{sub ⊙}) and winds (∼1000 km s{sup −1}) that act to heat dust and shape their surrounding environment. In this paper, the Arched Filaments in the Galactic center were studied to better understand the influence of the Arches cluster on its nearby interstellar medium (ISM). The Arched Filaments were observed with the Faint Object InfraRed CAMera for the SOFIA Telescope at 19.7, 25.2, 31.5, and 37.1 μm. Color–temperature maps of the region created with the 25.2 and 37.1 μm data reveal relatively uniform dust temperatures (70–100 K) over the extent of the filaments (∼25 pc). Distances between the cluster and the filaments were calculated assuming equilibrium heating of standard-size ISM dust grains (∼0.1 μm). The distances inferred by this method are in conflict with the projected distance between the filaments and the cluster, although this inconsistency can be explained if the characteristic grain size in the filaments is smaller (∼0.01 μm) than typical values. DustEM models of selected locations within the filaments show evidence of depleted abundances of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by factors of ∼1.6–10 by mass compared to the diffuse ISM. The evidence for both PAH depletion and a smaller characteristic grain size points to processing of the ISM within the filaments. We argue that the eroding of dust grains within the filaments is not likely attributable to the radiation or winds from the Arches cluster, but may be related to the physical conditions in the Galactic center.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Aerothermal Analysis of the Dragonfly Titan Entry

The Dragonfly mission will send a rotorcraft lander to the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan as part of the New-Frontiers program. This will be the first spacecraft to land on Titan since the Huygens probe’s descent in January of 2005 and only the second spacecraft to enter Titan’s atmosphere. The Dragonfly entry capsule is significantly larger than the Huygens probe and will experience higher aerothermal environments. This poster will provide an overview of the aerothermodynamic models used in the Dragonfly aeroshell design process. Titan provides a unique entry environment that has several fundamental differences from the environments at the more common entry destinations of Earth and Mars. The lack of atmospheric oxygen significantly reduces heatshield recession (expected to be negligible), which simplifies material response analysis but also reduces the efficiency of the thermal protection system. The atmos-phere is composed of mostly nitrogen and trace amounts of methane. During hypersonic entry this methane dissociates and leads to the formation of the molecule CN, which is known to radiate strongly in the shock layer. Current Dragonfly heating predictions estimate that radiation contributes about 50% of the total heat flux along the forebody and up to 90% on the aftbody, making radiation a key element of aerothermal analysis. To properly address the importance of radiation, a unique radiative-heating correlation was developed that incorporates normal-shock equilibrium chemistry predictions based on work from the Mars 2020 program. These new heating correlations agree well with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions and enable large-scale trajectory analyses by providing rapid heating predictions along candidate trajectories. Dragonfly aerothermal environments are generated with the Data Parallel Line Relaxation (DPLR) finite-volume Navier-Stokes solver alongside the Nonequilibrium Radiative Transport and Spectra (NEQAIR) radiation transport code. DPLR produces shock-aligned flowfields that incorporate the effects of both chemical and thermal nonequilibrium while NEQAIR solves the radiation transport equations along lines-of-sight through the flowfield solutions to predict the radiative heating on the aeroshell. Titan’s atmosphere produces complex thermal and chemical nonequilibria and so classical radiation approximations that extrapolate from a single line-of-sight, such as the Tangent-Slab method, were found to overpredict peak radiative heat fluxes by 10-20%. Therefore, all radiative heating is directly calculated using 3-D transport for both the forebody and aftbody to reduce unnecessary conservatism. A 21-species finite-rate chemistry model, including electrons and ionized species, is used in the CFD to ensure accurate vehicle heating predictions (the level of ionization is particularly for accurate radiative flux predictions). This poster will cover: 1) The models and assumptions used to simulate entry into Titan’s atmosphere, 2) Dragonfly aerothermal engineering correlations alongside statistical heating values, and 3) Driving aerothermal considerations for a Titan entry such as CN formation and radiation-flowfield coupling.

EDL↗
NASA NTRS1993

Hypersonic engine component experiments in high heat flux, supersonic flow environment

A major concern in advancing the state-of-the-art technologies for hypersonic vehicles is the development of an aeropropulsion system capable of withstanding the sustained high thermal loads expected during hypersonic flight. Even though progress has been made in the computational understanding of fluid dynamics and the physics/chemistry of high speed flight, there is also a need for experimental facilities capable of providing a high heat flux environment for testing component concepts and verifying/calibrating these analyses. A hydrogen/oxygen rocket engine heat source was developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center as one element in a series of facilities at national laboratories designed to fulfill this need. This 'Hot Gas Facility' is capable of providing heat fluxes up to 450 w/sq cm on flat surfaces and up to 5,000 w/sq cm at the leading edge stagnation point of a strut in a supersonic flow stream. Gas temperatures up to 3050 K can also be attained. Two recent experimental programs conducted in this facility are discussed. The objective of the first experiment is to evaluate the erosion and oxidation characteristics of a coating on a cowl leading edge (or strut leading edge) in a supersonic, high heat flux environment. Macrophotographic data from a coated leading edge model show progressive degradation over several thermal cycles at aerothermal conditions representative of high Mach number flight. The objective of the second experiment is to assess the capability of cooling a porous surface exposed to a high temperature, high velocity flow environment and to provide a heat transfer data base for a design procedure. Experimental results from transpiration cooled surfaces in a supersonic flow environment are presented.

Gladden, Herbert J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Using θ' interfaces as templates for planar L1 2 precipitation in AlCuMnZr alloys

Controlled Mn and Zr additions to Al-Cu alloys have allowed for the improved retention of mechanical properties after extended 350°C exposures by stabilizing the main strengthening θ' (Al 2 Cu) phase. Ultimately, θ'/L1 2 (Al 3 Zr) co-precipitate formation stabilizes θ' most effectively; however, Zr diffuses sluggishly and has low solubility in aluminum castings. Increasing the Zr segregation rate would allow for faster and more effective θ'/L1 2 co-precipitation. It is demonstrated that the Zr segregation rate is faster when the Zr matrix content is higher. A much higher Zr matrix content was achieved by rapid cooling during additive manufacturing (AM) that produces θ'/L1 2 co-precipitation faster, which is shown by scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography experiments. It was also found that Zr continuously segregates to θ' interfaces up to the most aggressive heat treatment studied such that planar L1 2 precipitates remain after the metastable θ' dissolves. In this manner, we demonstrate that θ' coherent interfaces serve as perfect templates to form stable planar L1 2 precipitates that can provide strength at higher temperatures than traditional θ' strengthened AlCu alloys. This work introduces an alloy design strategy that uses metastable precipitates to quickly nucleate and grow co-precipitates with a desired geometry that contain slow diffusing elements. These ideas can be applied to engineer more heat resistant alloys by taking advantage of high solute matrix contents enabled by rapid cooling during additive manufacturing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Computational and Experimental Examination of Simulated Core Damage and Relocation Dynamics of a BWR Fuel Assembly - 16013

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) plans a large-scale test to evaluate damage and relocation behavior of Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) core materials consisting of fuel rods (zirconia as fuel simulant), channel boxes, control blade assemblies as well as lower core-support structures. Its purpose is to contribute to the understanding of the core material relocation behavior in the event of severe accidents with the BWR design conditions for which existing experimental database is quite limited. Prior to large-scale testing anticipated at JAEA in the future, JAEA desires preliminary investigations to examine melting test pieces, being composed of a mixture of zirconia and metals by a non-transferred thermal plasma heating system. The purpose of such tests is to verify the materials and test piece will be heated by plasma as a primary heat source to the target temperature of ca. 2900 K and to collect data about the relocation behavior of the high-temperature materials. This paper describes the first in a series of tests demonstrating the effective use of thermal plasma technology to recreate the dynamics of a typical fuel core bundle channel assembly section. Results from preliminary computational simulations of simplified fuel bundle assemblies are presented illustrating the effectiveness of a 150 kW, non transferred (NTR) configuration of a thermal plasma argon jet to heat the assembly within a highly-insulated containment vessel. An experimental test program using the computational analyses as a basis and a Phoenix Solutions Co (PSC) commercial model PT150, 150 kW plasma torch is described and the test results are presented illustrating the time versus temperature history of the fuel bundle assembly melting dynamics. Details on plasma operation are discussed including: power requirements, current flow, voltage levels achieved, argon gas flow rates, processing times and standoff distances of the torch discharge from the top of the fuel bundle assembly (achieved with remote control of the axial (vertical) translation of the torch within the containment processing chamber). Photos taken from the top of the processing chamber are presented illustrating the various phases of melting characteristics of the zircaloy-clad, zirconium oxide filled fuel tubes, all within a stainless steel tube bundle channel centered within an insulated zirconia crucible. Based on lessons learned from this initial test campaign, a brief discussion of the requirements and features of a follow-on Phase II test program is provided. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2017

Time-Resolved PIV/PTV Measurements on Interior Subchannels of a Wire-Wrapped 61-pin Hexagonal Fuel Bundle

Liquid metal fast reactor fuel bundles using sodium as a coolant typically utilize a tightly packed triangular lattice of fuel pins enclosed in a hexagonal duct. Often, the fuel pins are helically wrapped with a wire spacer. The primary function of the wire spacers is to maintain a gap between adjacent fuel pins. They also enhance sub-channel mixing to increase convective heat transfer and mitigate vortex-induced vibration. Texas A and M University has conducted isothermal flow experiments in a wire-wrapped 61-pin hexagonal fuel bundle to support the research on advanced nuclear fuel development sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE). These tests produced high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of the velocity field and pressure at different locations in the fuel bundle. The experimental facility employs matched-index-of-refraction (MIR) techniques and laser diagnostic velocity measurement techniques such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). The result of this experimental activity will be an experimental database of pressure and velocity field measurements that will be suitable for validating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods, such as Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and highly resolved large eddy simulation (LES). PIV results on the set of edge subchannels near the hexagonal duct have been presented in another paper. This paper presents PIV results on two sets of interior subchannels, defined as Interior- 1 and Center-2, at a Reynolds number (Re) of 19,000 in the turbulent regime.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Selection of Nuclear Fuel for TREAT: UO 2 vs U 3 O 8

The Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) that resides at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), first achieved criticality in 1959, and successfully performed many transient tests on nuclear fuel until 1994 when its operations were suspended. Resumption of operations at TREAT was approved in February 2014 to meet the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy’s objectives in transient testing of nuclear fuels. The National Nuclear Security Administration’s is converting TREAT from its existing highly enriched uranium (HEU) core to a new core containing low enriched uranium (LEU) (i.e., U-235< 20% by weight). The TREAT Conversion project is currently progressing with conceptual design phase activities. Dimensional stability of the fuel element assemblies, predictable fuel can oxidation and sufficient heat conductivity by the fuel blocks are some of the critical performance requirements of the new LEU fuel. Furthermore, to enable the design team to design fuel block and can specifications, it is amongst the objectives to evaluate TREAT LEU fuel and cladding material’s chemical interaction. This information is important to understand the viability of Zr-based alloys and fuel characteristics for the fabrication of the TREAT LEU fuel and cladding. Also, it is very important to make the right decision on what type of nuclear fuel will be used at TREAT. In particular, one has to consider different oxides of uranium, and most importantly, UO 2 vs U 3 O 8 . In this report, the results are documented pertaining to the choice mentioned above (UO 2 vs U 3 O 8 ). The conclusion in favor of using UO 2 was made based on the analysis of historical data, up-to-date literature, and self-consistent calculations of phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties in the U-O and U-O-C systems. The report is organized as follows. First, the criteria that were used to make the choice are analyzed. Secondly, existing historical data and current literature were reviewed. This analysis was supplemented by the construction and examination of the U-O and U-O-C phase diagrams at pressure close to negligent, thereby mimicking the conditions in which nuclear fuel is supposed to function inside the zirconium-based cladding in the reactor. Finally, our conclusion in favor of the UO 2 down selection was summarized and explained in the last Section of this document.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2017

High Resolution Stereoscopic PIV Measurements in a 5 x 5 Rod Bundle with Mixing Vane

Spacer grids are used in the pressurized water reactor (PWR) to fix, clamp the fuel rods, and enhance the turbulence mixing within the spaces of the rods and overall heat transfer performance. Proper understanding on the thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the turbulent mixing and heat transfer created by the space grids is important. However, spacer grids having complex design structure with dimple, mixing vane and spring have been challenges for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) turbulent models. High fidelity experimental data with spatial-temporal resolutions is essential to validate and assess the performances of CFD models. Baglietto and Ninokata applied an improved realizable anisotropic turbulence models via direct numerical simulation (DNS)-based near-wall formulation data to study the wall shear stresses and flow structures in tight bundle subchannels. These authors have shown that their models are able to capture the stress distribution and velocity field at an acceptable accuracy. The authors numerically studied the flow field characteristics at the region downstream of the spacer grids, and validated their results to particle imagery velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Dominguez and Hassan performed two-dimensional time resolved PIV (TR-PIV) measurements within a 5 x 5 PWR rod bundle with spacer-grids that utilized a matching index of refraction (MIR) approach. Their averaged data showed a rather uniform direction velocity profile after the spacer grid while the downstream illustrated a no slip wall profile. In this paper, we presents flow measurements in the MIR 5 x 5 fuel rod bundle with a spacer grid. Time resolved stereoscopic PIV (TR-SPIV) measurements were performed to obtain high spatial-temporal resolution two-dimensional three-component (2D3C) velocity vector fields in the subchannels between the rods. Flow statistics such as mean velocity, and Reynolds stresses were computed. The obtained experimental data can be used to improve the computational modeling and validate the numerical models that are currently applied to light and pressurized water reactors.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS2000

Effect of Thermal Diffusivity on the Detectability of TNDE

The effect of thermal diffusively on the defect detectability in Carbon/Epoxy composite panels by transient thermography is presented in this paper. A series of Finite Element Models were constructed and analyzed to simulate the transient heat transfer phenomenon during Thermographic Non-destructive Evaluation (TNDE) of composite panels with square defects. Six common carbon fibers were considered. The models were built for composites with various combinations of fibers and volumetric ratios. Finite Element Analysis of these models showed the trends of the detectable range and the maximum thermal contrast versus the thermal diffusivity of various composites. Additionally, the trends of defect size to depth ratio and the thermal contrast has been investigated.

Zhao, Junduo↗
DOE OSTI2023

Accelerating Adoption of Energy-Efficient Technology with the Thermalize Model

The accelerating impacts of climate change destabilize food systems and ecosystems alongside the communities that rely on them. Thus, climate resilience is a health equity issue at both a physical (relating to biological impacts of pollution and environmental degradation) and a cultural level (loss of subsistence lifestyles, languages, etc). With roughly 20% of US energy-related greenhouse gas emissions stemming from heating, cooling, and powering households, accessible energy-efficient home retrofits are a critical element of climate change mitigation strategies. For communities already producing electricity from renewable sources, like Juneau, incentivizing ductless heat pump upgrades and energy efficiency retrofits provides an accessible pathway to transition households away from oil heating and drastically reduce emissions. Thermalize Juneau is a pilot program that will explore a repeatable framework for accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient technology in Alaska communities. This poster will describe Thermalize Juneau's goals and framework, progress through spring 2021, and future plans.

ductless heat pumps↗
NASA NTRS1990

High-temperature thermal storage systems for advanced solar receivers materials selections

Advanced space power systems that use solar energy and Brayton or Stirling heat engines require thermal energy storage (TES) systems to operate continuously through periods of shade. The receiver storage units, key elements in both Brayton and Stirling systems, are designed to use the latent heat of fusion of phase-change materials (PCMs). The power systems under current consideration for near-future National Aeronautics and Space Administration space missions require working fluid temperatures in the 1100 to 1400 K range. The PCMs under current investigation that gave liquid temperatures within this range are the fluoride family of salts. However, these salts have low thermal conductivity, which causes large temperature gradients in the storage systems. Improvements can be obtained, however, with the use of thermal conductivity enhancements or metallic PCMs. In fact, if suitable containment materials can be found, the use of metallic PCMs would virtually eliminate the orbit associated temperature variations in TES systems. The high thermal conductivity and generally low volume change on melting of germanium and alloys based on silicon make them attractive for storage of thermal energy in space power systems. An approach to solving the containment problem, involving both chemical and physical compatibility, preparation of NiSi/NiSi2, and initial results for containment of germanium and NiSi/NiSi2, are presented.

Wilson, D. F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Temperature dependence of the abundances of elements in solar He-3 rich events

The element abundances in solar He-3-rich events are observed to vary with the soft X-ray temperature of the parent flare. The observations are consistent with thermal collisional ionization of the elements to the equilibrium-charge states expected within the flare-heated plasma at (10-15) x 10 to the 6th K. Proposed photoionization mechanisms appear to be excluded. Rapid ionization of the ions requires that the heating occur sufficiently low in the corona that the electron density exceed about (1-5) x 10 to the 8th/cu cm. Heavy-element enhancements might be a signature of material processed in the flash phase of events in contrast to unheated ambient material accelerated by a coronal shock.

Reames, D. V.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Stanford Thermal Earth Model for the Conterminous United States

Provided here are various forms of the Stanford Thermal Earth Model, as well as the data and methods used for its creation. The predictions produced by this model were visualized in two-dimensional spatial maps across the modeled depths (0-7 km) for the conterminous United States. The thermal earth model is made available as an application programming interface (API) and as feature layers on ArcGIS, which are both provided via links below. A data-driven spatial interpolation algorithm based on physics-informed graph neural networks was used to develop these national temperature-at-depth maps. The model satisfied the three-dimensional heat conduction law by predicting subsurface temperature, surface heat flow, and rock thermal conductivity. Many physical quantities, including bottomhole temperature, depth, geographic coordinates, elevation, sediment thickness, magnetic anomaly, gravity anomaly, gamma-ray flux of radioactive elements, seismicity, and electric conductivity were used as model inputs. Surface heat flow, temperature, and thermal conductivity predictions were constructed for depths of 0-7 km at an interval of 1 km with spatial resolution of 18 km2 per grid cell. The model showed superior temperature, surface heat flow and thermal conductivity mean absolute errors of 4.8C, 8.1 mW/m2 and 0.07 W/(C-m), respectively..

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗